how can i take pictures like these?

[konmai]

hi everyone. i'm posting a few pics from photographers i long admire. i was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what types of classes i could take, camera specs i would want, pc programs i would need to take these kind of pics? any help would be much appreciated!

[missing]

get a digital camera and go shoot. Doesn't have to be a pricey one, unless you want to blow your images up poster size. With lots of practice you will get good. I don't see much need for a class. There are a few technical things you should probably know about exposure, shutter speed etc. but if you get a simple "point and shoot" camera you can learn that stuff along the way. When you get better you can think about springing for a more expensive/complex camera and try to take more complex shots. But don't let technical issues or expense be a hurdle in the meantime. aka keep it simple, like the images you posted.

[Trezker]

Google for blogs on the subject. Reading blogs can give you tips in an easy relaxed manner, and they're free. I'm sure there's some good blogs out there, otherwise you can start doing the research and make your own blog.

Google knows all, you just have to dig around.

[goldtoe360]

This is a site I often check out DIYPhotography.net | Photography and Studio Lighting

As far as what photography gear you want to get, it depends on how serious you're into photography; as well as what type of pictures you want to take: macro, telephoto, portraits, landscapes...etc.

Having a point and shoot camera will be cheaper and more convenient, but will give only adequate image quality. Digital SLRs will have much better image quality, but can be bulky and will cost more. (other pros and cons: DSLR or P-a-S).

I don't think you need to enroll in photography classes to learn how to shoot. There are plenty of free and good photography tips/advice online, but it wouldn't hurt to take formal classes.

One photography book that I really like is Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting. It covers photography lighting, as in, where to position the camera with respect to the light source, direct/reflective lighting, how to shoot: metal, glass, and portraiture...etc). It's a good book. I recommend it!

Sometimes I post process pictures that I've taken only to change brightness, saturation, and get rid of any distinguishable dust spots. I use 'Digital Photo Professional' from Canon (comes with Canon Rebel XT) and use 'GIMP' to get rid of dust spots, if any, but you can also use Photoshop.

This is also a good website to check out:Cambridge in Colour - Digital Photography Tutorials & Gallery

and the picture gallery (awesome pics! must see): cambridge-gallery

[munish]

Buy a digital camera ,7.2 mp.

Zoom= 10 times.

Then use google picasa to edit and upload.

[konmai]

hey guys! thank you for taking the time to respond! wow. there are so many tips on where to begin.

in the beginning, i thought about getting a camera and just shooting. well, actually, i will do that, too, but at least, now i know i could read up on blogs for photography. although i read steve's blog, it didn't occur to me to read up on blogs for photography.

i'll probably get a digital p&s first to start off. see if i can work with some photo softwares. i was thinking photoshop, since i have it. does anyone have recommendations for a beginner?

after that, i definitely a dslr (is that what's it called?)... the more complicated one?

thanks again, guys. i'm always open for more tips! p

[Trezker]

I think there are good photoshop blogs too.

Most importantly, don't force it and don't try to learn everything at once. Just flow with it and grow day by day.